Board OK's lease for Job & Family Services

The Hancock County Board of Commissioners approved an annual lease for the county Department of Job & Family Services building of $50,146. Even though it's a county-owned building, located on County Road 140, the agreement is necessary because some federal funds received by the department are used to pay the lease, said county Assistant Prosecutor Cindy Land during a board meeting Tuesday. On two real estate issues, the commissioners approved an extension from Jan. 31 to March 31 for the closing date on the purchase of 704 Fishlock Ave. The board also retained its right as a second, and separate, mortgage holder on property at 1795 Bishop Lane since the property owner is in the process of refinancing at a lower interest rate. Land said the Bishop Lane issue goes back about a decade to when the owner purchased the lot and constructed a residence, partially funded with Community Action Commission Community Development Block Grant money. The county signed the original paperwork as part of the funding process. The board approved more than $7,161 for January expenses of the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District, with $4,471 being paid to Norfolk Southern Railway for work on the railroad bridge replacement project across the Blanchard River. Reducing supports across the bridge span will allow faster water flow during heavy rains. The supports cause material to get caught and force water to back up during heavy rains, which could increase flooding in the downtown. A resolution was also approved for Marlin White and Sons, Fremont, to complete maintenance and inspection of boiler and boiler pump equipment in the Hancock County Justice Center and the county courthouse. Maurer: 419-427-8420